A new analysis notes a promising link between music and cognitive benefits for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
The analysis, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, included nine studies and a total of 495 participants and also suggested that music appeared to improve study participants’ quality of life and mood.
Authors concluded that music-based interventions could potentially provide “millions” of older adults with critical support for their cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
“We are excited to see these results because participating in music, like singing in a choir or playing in a drum circle, is a safe, engaging activity that our research demonstrates can support cognition at a critical time for older adults facing cognitive decline,” said study lead author Jennie L. Dorris, MM, of the University of Pittsburgh.